Hoyer Statement on Introduction of the "District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007"

For Immediate Release:

March 9, 2007

Contact:Stacey Farnen Bernards202-225-3130

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) issued the following statement today regarding the introduction of the “District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007:”

"It gives me great pride to join Delegate Norton and Representative Davis in introducing the “District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007” – historic legislation that will finally give the people of Washington, DC full representation in the United States House of Representatives.

"The citizens of the District of Columbia have waited far too long for a fully recognized voice in the People’s House – an omission that is reminiscent of revolutionary times when Americans were forced to submit to “taxation without representation.”

"The new Democratic Majority promised to rectify this shortcoming of American democracy as one of our first orders of business, and we are now fulfilling that promise.

"I want to commend Chairman Conyers, Chairman Waxman and Representative Matheson – as well as Utah’s entire House delegation – for working closely with Delegate Norton and Representative Davis to ensure that this bill will also secure full representation for the state of Utah, which would qualify for an additional House seat when this bill is enacted.

"With committee hearings and markups on this bill scheduled for next week, I expect that the House of Representatives will vote on this momentous legislation by the end of the month. And I’m looking forward to leading an effort on the House Floor that will – at long last – provide the people of Washington, DC with the fundamental democratic right of full representation in the House of Representatives."